Talk of Talent

I love all the draft talk. While I haven’t delved into the prospects deeply, the 49ers have to address their most ardent needs, which are right tackle and pass rusher. As many of you mentioned, the first fullback in the draft probably won’t be taken until the second day.

Certainly, nose tackle is important for a 3-4, but what really makes that defense work are the outside pass rushers. While Parys Haralson has developed, the 49ers need a balls-out unstoppable type on the other side to bring what used to be known as their “fever” defense under George Seifert. That’s when both outside linebackers come on an all-out pass rush.

Offensively, the 49ers have to shore up the right-tackle spot; they just can’t afford to go into next season with Barry Sims or Adam Snyder in that role. Picking Jordan Gross or Mark Tauscher would be tremendous and would free up them up to concentrate on a pass rusher.

Someone mentioned collapsing the right side of the defensive line in 2006 with the combination of Larry Allen at left guard and Jonas Jennings at left tackle. Looking it up on Profootballoutsiders.com, the 49ers led the league that year in average yards per carry over left end at 6.01 yards a pop. It’s too bad Jennings never worked out. When he was healthy and motivated, he was a crushing blocker and a decent pass protector, but he just wasn’t healthy or motivated enough.

General manager Scot McCloughan was on KNBR this week and when talk to turned talent acquisition he mentioned a wide receiver who can stretch the field as a priority, and as he told Matt Barrows, getting another running back to help Gore. McCloughan is enamored with big backs, which is something he had in previous stops in Green Bay with Dorsey Levens and in Seattle with Shaun Alexander. The 49ers considered four running backs in the sixth round of the 2007 draft, but McCloughan insisted on Thomas Clayton because he was the only one over 220 pounds. McCloughan said on radio he would like to have a bigger, younger, “down hill” runner to back up Gore.

McCloughan also said the team had money which means they will likely make one sizeable signing in free agency. So who could that be? And who should the 49ers make a run at first? Nnamdi Asomugha is an intriguing name; his signing could prompt Walt Harris or even Nate Clements to move to free safety. Also, McCloughan believes drafting a shut down corner is a complete crap shoot, and corners will be at an even higher premium with the NFL’s increased reliance on the pass. Is he the guy?